Discrete element model for crack propagation in brittle materials

We propose a discrete element model for brittle rupture. The material consists of a bidimensional set of closed‐packed particles in contact. We explore the isotropic elastic behavior of this regular structure to derive a rupture criterion compatible to continuum mechanics. We introduce a classical criterion of mixed mode crack propagation based on the value of the stress intensity factors, obtained by the analysis of two adjacent contacts near a crack tip. Hence, the toughness becomes a direct parameter of the model, without any calibration procedure. We verify the consistency of the formulation as well as its convergence by comparison with theoretical solutions of tensile cracks, a pre‐cracked beam, and an inclined crack under biaxial stress. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A new method for sampling and analyzing volcanic sublimates — application to Merapi volcano, Java

A new method for the sampling of sublimates from high-temperature volcanic gases has been used at Merapi volcano, Java, in 1978. The sublimates were collected on the inner walls of silica tubes introduced into fumarolic vents. Volcanic gases were allowed to move freely through the tubes and as they cooled, a fraction of the volatile components condensed on the inner walls of the tubes along the temperature gradient. The sublimates were then analyzed by a combination of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe and X-ray diffraction.Six successive zones of different compositions and mineralogical associations have been identified along the covered range of temperatures (900° to around 400°C). From the high to the low temperatures, these zones are composed of: (1) cristobalite, magnetite, hercynite; (2) molybdenite; (3) acmite; (4) halite, sylvite; (5) sphalerite, pyrite; and (6) galena. Equilibrium calculations show that these crystalline phases are stable for pS₂, pC₁, and pO₂, values typical of magma-buffered gases that have not been contaminated by atmospheric oxygen.The deposits observed in the tubes may be useful in aiding the understanding of the mechanisms acting during the cooling of the gaseous phase on its way to the surface and before its emission into the atmosphere.     

长江三峡工程对长江口外流场的影响

长江三峡枢纽工程是综合开发利用长江水利资源的一项举世瞩目的大工程，建成后将对我国社会主义建设带来巨大的经济效益。但是，也必须考虑到它对长江下游流域以至河口及其邻近海域的生态环境带来的影响。因此，必须在工程建设之前进行深入研究。 根据“三峡工程对长江河口区生态与环境的影响和对策”这一课题的要求，本文就三峡工程对长江口区流场的影响作一初步分析。     

Subduction-related mafic to felsic magmatism in the Malayer–Boroujerd plutonic complex,western Iran

The Malayer–Boroujerd plutonic complex (MBPC) in western Iran, consists of a portion of a magmatic arc built by the northeast verging subduction of the Neo-Tethys plate beneath the Central Iranian Microcontinent (CIMC). Middle Jurassic-aged felsic magmatic activity in MBPC is manifested by I-type and S-type granites. The mafic rocks include gabbroic intrusions and dykes and intermediate rocks are dioritic dykes and minor intrusions, as well as mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs). MBPC Jurassic-aged rocks exhibit arc-like geochemical signatures, as they are LILE- and LREE-enriched and HFSE- and HREE-depleted and display negative Nb–Ta anomalies. The gabbro dykes and intrusions originated from metasomatically enriched garnet-spinel lherzolite [Degree of melting (f_mel) ~ 15%] and exhibit negative Nd and positive to slightly negative ε_Hf(T) (+ 3.0 to ? 1.6). The data reveal that evolution of Middle Jurassic magmatism occurred in two stages: (1) deep mantle-crust interplay zone and (2) the shallow level upper crustal magma chamber. The geochemical and isotopic data, as well as trace element modeling, indicate the parent magma for the MBPC S-type granites are products of upper crustal greywacke (f_mel: 0.2), while I-type granites formed by partial melting of amphibolitic lower crust (f_mel: 0.25) and mixing with upper crustal greywacke melt in a shallow level magma chamber [Degree of mixing (f_mix): 0.3]. Mixing between andesitic melt leaving behind a refractory dense cumulates during partial crystallization of mantle-derived magma and lower crustal partial melt most likely produced MMEs (f_mix: 0.2). However, enriched and moderately variable ε_Nd(T) (? 3.21 to ? 4.33) and high (⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr)_i (0.7085–0.7092) in dioritic intrusions indicate that these magmas are likely experienced assimilation of upper crustal materials. The interpretations of magmatic activity in the MBPC is consistent with the role considered for mantle-derived magma as heat and mass supplier for initiation and evolution of magmatism in continental arc setting, elsewhere.     

高亚硝酸盐胁迫下日本囊对虾肝胰腺的转录组分析

海岸带盐度过渡区域水体中氮、磷的准确测定对陆海统筹及海岸带管理起着至关重要的作用。为探究盐度对氮、磷测定准确度的影响,进而明确河口海岸带淡水-咸水盐度过渡区不同形式氮、磷测定方法的选择依据,分别采用淡水和海水的相关国家标准方法,测定不同盐度下不同质量浓度氮、磷的人工海水和天然海水水样中氨氮、亚硝氮、总氮、活性磷酸盐和总磷的质量浓度。结果表明,盐度对某些氮、磷的淡水法和海水法测定结果有一定程度的影响。对氨氮的测定,当S≤4.0时淡水法或海水法均可准确测定水体中的氨氮,S>4.0时应对水样进行pH 调整预处理后用海水法进行测定;对亚硝氮的测定,淡水法和海水法的测定结果无明显差异;对总氮的测定,当S≤5.0时应采用操作简单、测定准确的淡水法测定,S>5.0时应采用海水法。对水体中的活性磷酸盐的测定,在低盐低磷(S≤35.0且ρPO3-4 ≤0.2mg·L-1)的情况下盐度对淡水法和海水法测定结果的影响微乎其微,而对于高盐高磷(S>35.0且ρPO3-4 > 0.2mg·L-1)的水样选择灵敏度更高的海水法测定更准确;对总磷的测定,选取海水法测定准确度更高。研究结果为海岸带水体不同形式氮、磷质量浓度的准确测定与方法选择提供了科学依据。     

改良黄土强度特性与工程处置试验研究

本文针对山西朔州典型黄土,利用素黄土与石灰粉煤灰、石灰水泥、水泥粉煤灰三种改良黄土,进行了击实特性、抗剪强度特性及崩解特性试验研究,提出了黄土改良的最佳方案,并采用该方案对山西某煤矿电梯井填方段进行了数值模拟分析,验证了石灰粉煤灰改良黄土工程应用的可行性。试验结果表明:粉煤灰与黄土形成致密的混合结构,石灰的掺入,激活了粉煤灰的活性,发生了一系列的水化反应,使改良黄土的强度大大提高,改良黄土在物理力学性质方面有明显改善。     

Suspended matter in surface waters of the eastern Gulf of Guinea

Suspended matter in the surface waters of the eastern Gulf of Guinea was studied in relation to the prevailing oceanic currents and the sediment composition and source. A confused current system arises from the confluence of the Guinea Current and the South Equatorial Current in this area. Sediment-laden water is transported to the south of Fernando Póo into the Gulf in a south-westerly direction. The southeasterly flowing Guinea Current along the western edge of the Niger delta and the enormous sediment loads of the distributaries in this area contribute to a major lobe of suspended matter off the southwestern nose of the delta. Sediment concentration is inversely related to salinity in the northeastern Gulf. Sediment is also swept northwestward from the continental shelf of Gabon and the Congo Republic into the Gulf. Diatoms are the most abundant constituents with lesser amounts of organic aggregates and two varieties of fecal pellets.     

Correspondence analysis applied to volcanic aerosols

A statistical analysis of volcanic aerosol based on 1,083 variables including concentration, grain-size and site variabilities establishes correlations between sites and among chemical elements.Variation curves of element concentration show parallel behaviour. High coefficients of correlation between anions and cations confirm associations between elements.     

Wrench tectonics flip at oblique subduction. A model from New Zealand

In eastern North Island New Zealand, oblique subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate is associated with strain partitioning. Dextral along-strike component of displacement occurred first at Early Miocene major faults within the eastern fore-arc domain. These faults were active from Early Miocene to Pliocene times. Since Pliocene times, most of the movement occurs at western faults such as the Wellington Fault. The latter joins the back-arc domain to the north. The jump of wrench faulting is related to the oblique opening of the back-arc domain. Both phenomena are impeded southwards by the Hikurangi oceanic plateau entering the subduction zone. To cite this article: J. Delteil et al., C. R. Geoscience 335 (2003).